FIREFIGHTERS on Merseyside are joining forces with Everton Football Club to help promote fire safety among young people.

A new partnership between the 60+ Livesafe campaign and the club's Extra Time study support centre, based at Goodison Park, aims to help the fire service promote the importance of fire safety.

The Livesafe campaign team already visits schools on a regular basis but the new partner-ship will enable them to speak to even more youngsters.

Joanne Hatton, Extra Time study support centre deputy manager, said: "This is a unique opportunity for children and young people to participate in a motivating project, which will enable them to develop important life skills and raise aware-ness of fire safety."

The fire service is also organ-ising a sports day at the Blues' Academy in Netherton as an incentive for young people involved in the campaign.

Leading firefighter Denis McCann said: "This partnership will help us spread the fire safety message even further."